Kinda Funny Gamescast: Video Game Podcast
Episode: Video Game Players Are Being Robbed of Choice
Release Date: July 24, 2025
Hosts: Tim Gettys, Greg “GameOverGreggy” Miller, Blessing Adeoye, and Andy Cortez
Guest: Zolivier Nelson Jr., Studio Head at Strange Scaffold

1. Introduction and Guest Background

The episode welcomes Zolivier Nelson Jr. from Strange Scaffold, introducing him as a seasoned game developer with over 100 titles under his belt. Greg Miller expresses his admiration, stating, “I’ve always admired you from afar” (02:03).

2. Strange Scaffold’s Mission and Philosophy

Zolivier delves into Strange Scaffold’s core mission, emphasizing transparency in game development. He explains, “Games just present me with a product in isolation, and it changes the way we talk and think about games” (09:02). The studio aims to provide context around game creation, highlighting the creative journeys and fostering a deeper connection between developers and players.

3. Recent and Upcoming Projects

Zolivier provides an overview of Strange Scaffold’s prolific output over the past two years, releasing seven games:

• Life Eater (05:17): A horror fantasy kidnapping simulator that explores genre fusion and development challenges.
• Clickolding (09:02): An unsettling first-person clicker with sensual themes, funded by Outer Sloth and contributing to Zolivier’s personal life events.
• I Am Your Beast (15:10): A fast-paced revenge thriller FPS with kinetic text cutscenes, which garnered positive feedback and influenced other developers.
• River Heights Mall Gene Splicer 3000 (20:00): A collaboration with Meow Wolf, combining creature creation with physics-enabled breakout mechanics.
• Teens Mutant Ninja Turtles Tactical Takedown (33:41): A turn-based beat 'em up exploring unique narrative avenues within the TMNT universe.
• Co Op Kaiju Horror Cooking (58:43): An absurd multiplayer horror game about medieval monks cooking for Kaijus to prevent the apocalypse, currently in open playtest phase and releasing on July 29th.

4. Transparency and Player Engagement

Strange Scaffold prioritizes involving players in the development process. Zolivier states, “We let players into that process. You get to watch those decisions happen in real time” (15:10). This approach aims to demystify game development, allowing players to understand the intricate decision-making that shapes their favorite games.

5. Challenges in the Gaming Industry

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the systemic issues within the gaming industry, particularly the mismatch between project scopes and financial structures. Zolivier criticizes the pressure to inflate budgets and timelines, arguing, “Developers were literally told... 'make a $3 million game'... and then having the rug pulled out” (65:13). He emphasizes that such practices limit creative freedom and rob players of diverse game choices.

6. Success Stories and Collaborations

Zolivier highlights successful collaborations and studios that align with Strange Scaffold’s philosophy:

• Landfall Games: Praised for their open approach and adherence to their creative vision.
• Frosty Pop: A key supporter that helped Strange Scaffold survive funding challenges.
• New Blood: Noted for their perfectionism and community-focused development process.

These partnerships exemplify how aligning business structures with creative goals can lead to sustainable and innovative game development.

7. Future Vision for Game Development

Looking ahead, Zolivier envisions a shift towards studios that prioritize sustainable practices and creative autonomy. He shares, “What we need to be talking about... is making sure that what you say you want to make for players matches what you're actually building” (62:07). Strange Scaffold aims to continue producing unique games while fostering an ecosystem that supports both developers and players.

8. Conclusion and Call to Action

The episode wraps up with Zolivier encouraging listeners to support Strange Scaffold through their Patreon, where they offer exclusive content like design documents and production insights. He urges players to engage with their games and provide feedback, reinforcing the studio’s commitment to transparency and community involvement (86:40).

Notable Quotes

• Greg Miller (02:03): “I am incredibly honored to have you...”
• Zolivier Nelson Jr. (09:02): “Games just present me with a product in isolation, and it changes the way we talk and think about games.”
• Zolivier Nelson Jr. (15:10): “We let players into that process. You get to watch those decisions happen in real time.”
• Zolivier Nelson Jr. (65:13): “Developers were literally told... 'make a $3 million game'... and then having the rug pulled out.”
• Zolivier Nelson Jr. (62:07): “What we need to be talking about... is making sure that what you say you want to make for players matches what you're actually building.”
• Zolivier Nelson Jr. (86:40): “Best thing you can do to help Strange Scaffold is... patreon.com/StrangeScaffold.”

Key Insights

• Transparency Enhances Connection: By sharing the development process openly, Strange Scaffold builds a stronger bond with players, fostering trust and engagement.
• Sustainable Practices are Crucial: Aligning project scopes with financial structures ensures long-term viability and creative freedom for developers.
• Diverse Game Offerings Benefit Players: Avoiding the push for inflated budgets allows studios to experiment with unique genres and concepts, enriching the gaming landscape.
• Community Support Matters: Platforms like Patreon play a vital role in supporting independent studios, enabling them to maintain autonomy and continue producing innovative games.

Conclusions

Zolivier Nelson Jr.’s conversation underscores the importance of rethinking traditional game development models. By prioritizing transparency, sustainable practices, and creative autonomy, Strange Scaffold exemplifies a path forward that benefits both developers and players. The studio’s commitment to involving players in the development journey not only enhances the gaming experience but also advocates for systemic changes in the industry to foster diversity and innovation.

For those interested in supporting and following Strange Scaffold’s journey, visit their Patreon and stay updated with their latest projects slated for release in the near future.

Note: Timestamps reference the transcript provided and correspond to key points within the discussion.